The objective of this study was to develop models to predict the probability of oak (Quercus spp.) regeneration on specific hardwood rangeland areas in the western foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada range in California. In general, there was a relatively high probability of oak seedling stocking in most areas. However, oak seedlings may not persist in the landscape for the long term. Relatively low probability of sapling stocking in this study suggests there may be a problem in having adequate recruitment of oaks to replace mortality of mature trees. A significant grazing effect was detected only for Quercus douglasii seedlings. Overstory tree cover was positively correlated with the probability of oak seedlings and saplings. This suggests that in very open oak savannas, where the probability of seedlings and saplings is lower than in dense woodland stands, overstory thinning may result in a stand with an inadequate number of saplings to replace thinned trees. The relationships developed in this study can be coupled with mortality estimates and tree growth estimates to assess current management practices, and the likelihood that oak stands can be sustained and continue to provide ecological benefits for future generations.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.